Earthquakes name Nick Dasovic assistant coach

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that Nick Dasovic has joined the club as an assistant coach. The veteran joins San Jose after piloting the Canadian U-20 squad from 2011-13.

Dasovic, 44, played alongside Earthquakes interim head coach Mark Watson for the Canadian national team and for one season with Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2005). His career highlights include 63 caps for his country as well as a stint as the interim head coach of Toronto FC.

“I’ve known Nick for a long time,” said Earthquakes interim head coach Mark Watson. “He has a wealth of experience in the game both as a player and a coach. I’m excited to have him join the club as an assistant on our staff.”

Dasovic began his coaching career as a player-coach for Vancouver Whitecaps FC from 2002-05. He would move on to take a position as an assistant for the Canadian U-20s from 2005-07. Next up, he helped cultivate young players as the head coach of Toronto FC’s academy while also serving as an assistant for the senior squad from 2008-10. He also spent part of 2008 as an assistant for Canada’s national team while also piloting Canada’s U-23s through CONCACAF’s 2008 Olympic Qualifying; Dasovic led Canada to the semifinals of the qualification process. On Sept. 14, 2010, Dasovic was named the interim head coach for Toronto FC. He finished the campaign 3-4-3 before moving on to become the head coach of the Canadian U-20s in 2011.

“Nick has an abundance of experience and we look forward to having him on our sideline,” said Earthquakes general manager John Doyle.

As a player, Dasovic started his professional career with Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia and then moved back to his native Canada where he played for the North York Rockets. He was an original member of the Montreal Impact before moving to the Vancouver 86ers. He spent a season in France with Stade Briochin (1995-96) and a year in Sweden with Trelleborgs before settling in with St. Johnstone in Scotland from 1996-02. During his time there, Dasovic was part of a Saints team that won promotion to the Premier League.

Dasovic returned to Canada to finish his playing career with Vancouver Whitecaps FC where he was also part of the coaching staff.